Ileostomy and your diet

Alternate Names

Definition

You had an injury or disease in your digestive system and needed an operation called an ileostomy. The operation changed the way your body gets rid of waste (stool, feces, or poop).

Now you have an opening called a stoma in your belly. Waste will pass through the stoma into a pouch that collects it. You will need to take care of the stoma and empty the pouch many times a day.

People who have had an ileostomy can usually eat a normal diet. But some foods may cause problems. Foods that may be fine for some people may cause trouble for others.

Self-care

Your pouch should be sealed well enough to prevent any odor from leaking out. You may notice more odor when you empty your pouch after you eat certain foods. Some of these foods are onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, fish, some cheeses, eggs, baked beans, Brussels sprouts, and alcohol.

Doing these things will keep down the odor:

Eating parsley, yogurt, and buttermilk

Keeping your ostomy devices clean

Using special deodorants or adding vanilla oil or peppermint extract to your pouch before closing it. Ask your doctor or nurse about this.

Control gas, if it is a problem:

Eat on a regular schedule.

Eat slowly.

Try not to swallow any air with your food.

Do not chew gum or drink through a straw. Both will make you swallow air.

Do not eat cucumbers, radishes, sweets, or melons.

Do not drink beer or soda, or other carbonated drinks.

Try eating 5 or 6 small meals a day.

This will help keep you from getting too hungry.

Eat some solid foods before you drink anything if your stomach is empty. This may help decrease gurgling sounds.

Drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids every day.

Chew your food well.

It is OK to try new foods, but try only 1 at a time. That way, if you have any trouble, you will know which food caused the problem.

Unless you are underweight because of your surgery or any other illness, try not to gain weight. It is not healthy for you, and it may change how your ostomy works or fits.